Police officer (father of 6) shot dead today

[Jim Goose]

While some of us lament the Police force, we sometimes forget just how difficult their job is and how dangerous it can get.

Police officer killed in double shooting


A 40-year-old police officer who is a father of six has been killed in a double shooting in Tamworth in northern New South Wales.

Police say highway patrolman Senior Constable David Rixon was shot several times outside of a block of flats at Coledale in Tamworth about 8:00am (AEDT).

Senior Constable Rixon, who had over 20 years of experience in the force, was taken to Tamworth Hospital for treatment but died soon after.

Another man who was shot is under police guard in hospital undergoing emergency treatment.

A third man was arrested nearby and taken to Tamworth Police Station.

Joyce Glover saw the tragedy unfold.

"A police car went past and really fast, like nearly took the corner, and then next minute, bang, bang, bang," she said.

NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher says Senior Constable Rixon was a much-liked policeman and dedicated family man.

"This is an incredibly tragic event for his loved ones, for his workmates and indeed for the state of New South Wales," he said.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is heading to Tamworth and says his prayers are with Senior Constable Rixon's wife Fiona and six children.
'Day of mourning'

The shooting comes one day after NSW Police celebrated 150 years on the job - a fact that was not lost on Mr Gallacher.

"As is the nature of policing, yesterday we were celebrating, today we are mourning the loss of a police officer," he said.

"Today we have an additional name to be remembered as a fallen police officer in NSW.

"It is a day of mourning not only for NSW Police but for the entire community.

"We cannot ever underestimate the impact these events will have on the community."

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said his thoughts were with the officer's family and colleagues.

"It's a sad day and a reminder for all of us just what a great job our police do and the risks they take every day," he said.

Off-duty colleagues of the policeman have arrived at the scene, visibly upset with their heads in their hands.

Police have launched an internal investigation into the shooting.